Josiah's Gotcha Day | 06.13.13

He's 3.5

We've known him all but the first 5 weeks of his life.

He is the most energetic little guy I have ever met.

He has the most contagious laughter I have ever heard.

He stole my heart the moment the shelter worker placed him in my arms.

He is an answer to about 18 years of prayer. Ever prayed 18 years for something and then have it finally come true?

His Adoption Day (aka Gotcha Day) is always going to be one of the happiest, most joyful days in my life.

He has FPIES which means his tummy is sensitive to certain foods. It also means we didn't sleep the first 2 years of his life because his tummy hurt the most at night.

He has Sensory Processing Disorder which means he doesn't process things the way we do, he is our little beast, seeking high energy, loud noises & extreme sensations...once those things are met, he is able to be a little calmer. Which also means he might get aggressive so we are very careful with who we are around.

But these things don't define him. They are simply challenges that have taught me to depend more on my precious Redeemer.

Josiah is a joy to our family.

Having him in our family has made me the happiest momma in the world!

Jesus has GREAT things in store for him.

This morning we read 2 adoption books and I realized the questions will probably start coming within the next 12 months. That scares me. I would really like to get a better picture of his biological mom to include in his photo album.

Thank You Jesus for Josiah. 

Thank You that today we got to celebrate redemption on earth!!!

The Moment | Real Life

My sister-in-law came to visit me today.  I always look forward to her visits.  I think she feels sorry for me always being cooped up at home...or maybe she really loves me? :)  We caught up on life. I got to hear about her awesome vacation and she got to hear about my crazy life. Ha! Josiah hurt my nephew... you know, just regular stuff going on during our coffee date in the living room. :/

From Day 1, we have always taught our kids that we walk our company out when they are leaving. It is just good southern manners!  Today was no different.  As Kimber left and hollering "bye" was done, Josiah decided to make a run for it in the opposite direction of our front door.  As in, he bolted down the sidewalk as swift as a gazelle. Literally.

I couldn't catch him. 2 houses down, 3 houses down, oh my gosh, I see a garage door opening, 4 houses down, please God help my legs speed up, yelling at Josiah to stop, 5 houses down, car starts backing out of his driveway, Jesus please make Josiah trip, I yelled a blood curdling scream as Josiah was about 5 feet away from getting run over. And in that instant, in that MOMENT, I believe the Lord had an angel shout at that man through his closed window. Because he hit his breaks hard and I swiftly picked Josiah up with the strength of a crazy woman and turned around shaking & fighting back the sobs that wanted to take me over. I heard the driver close his car door... I couldn't even turn around to thank him. I was in shock.

My son could have died today. But he didn't. Because God protected him.

And I am still processing all this... and teary eyed once again as I type this out.

Life is short friends. What are you doing with yours?

Ephesians 5:15-17English Standard Version (ESV)

15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Tonight as I nuzzled my sweet boy & gave him goodnight kisses, I let out another "thank You Jesus for protecting Josiah today!" Truthfully tho...He protects Josiah every day, and Noah, and Gabi, Amy, Sara & Emma...and Matt in insane rush hour traffic...and momma, when she's at home tending to her precious flock. Because nothing and I mean NOTHING comes into our lives without first being gently sifted through His loving hands.

Dear Precious Jesus,

Thank You for being with us through EVERY MOMENT of our lives. Thank You that You are near whether outcomes appear good or whether they appear bad to our human heart. Thank You that NOTHING will ever come into our lives that isn't going to be used for our good. You are worthy of our praise, glory and honor our precious King Eternal, Immortal, Invisible, only God!!!

 (This was taken for our New Years Cards...aren't they breathtaking?)

Wordless Wednesday | Tiny & Josiah

Wordless Wednesday

Tiny & Josiah

{disclaimer - I didn't realize he was wearing the same jammies last week for Wordless Wednesday!}

God is ALWAYS Faithful | Reminiscing

God is ALWAYS Faithful

• 20 Years ago I told my mom I wanted a black baby
• 18 Years ago (August 1995) I married my best friend, he had no desire to adopt
• 3 years ago, (January 2011), my best friend heard an Adoption Sermon by Voddie Baucham which can be found here:http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=113101250246 and it rocked his world!
• 3 months later, we began our Adoption Journey thru DHS in April 2011
• almost 2 years ago (February 2012) our home was opened for Foster Care thru OKDHS, the very same day, one hour after our final "walk thru" with our social worker, we received the call for placement of a 5 week old baby boy
• July 17th 2013, on Josiah's 18 Month Birthday, our adoption was finalized!!!

I write this to you, the woman or man who has a heart for Adoption, but it seems like it will NEVER happen... God is PASSIONATE about adoption. It is our only possible way of being united with Him in heaven - we become His and NOTHING can separate us from His love!  He sets the lonely in families. He is for Adoption!  

Whether you're still waiting for your husband to get on board, or whether you're filling out paperwork late into the night while snacking on dry cereal & raisins, or whether you're done with all that and you are just WAITING for the phone call - please know that we've been there with you and we're praying for you!  He is faithful!

I hope our little timeline gives you HOPE, because sometimes, we all need a little encouragement!  :) 

Josiah Matthew Morrow | cell phone pictures

Josiah Matthew Morrow

Cell Phone Pictures

I should be editing, but my sweet baby boy is asleep in my arms. He already took his nap, but he went back to sleep after I picked him up from his crib.  The crib that my sweet friend Kristin Botello has been loaning me since the day we transferred him out of his bassinet.  The bassinet that my friend Melissa Hall loaned me.

He's sound asleep in my arms.  I love this.  I will not edit.  I will hold him.  I will enjoy his breath against my cheek.  I will smile at the way his little lips make an "o".  I will listen to him breathing deeply.  I will thank Jesus for this moment.  And I will not put him down to edit!

Instead, I will share some pictures that are on my phone.

Just a few of my favorites!

Enjoy!

HE'S AWAKE.

To be continued...